It’s time for the big State of Origin game, and the Heeler and Lucky families are ready to cheer just not for the same team. “The Decider” dives into playful rivalry, split loyalties, and the emotional tug-of-war children experience when caught between parents on opposing sides.
The episode kicks off with Bluey and Bingo playing in the backyard, preparing the projector screen for game night. Soon, Pat and Lucky arrive decked out in maroon jerseys, backing the Queensland team. They’re quick to ask where Bandit is and when he arrives, he’s gone the extra mile: he’s literally dyed his fur maroon to show his support. Chilli is absent from the Heeler house because she’s gone to the live game with Frisky (Bluey’s fairy godmother) and Trixie. Suddenly, Janelle, Lucky’s mum and a loyal Blues supporter (New South Wales), calls out across the fence with a cheeky taunt “We’re gonna flog ya!” or “We’re gonna beat ya!” This triggers playful booing from Bandit and Pat, prompting her son Chucky to defend her: “Dad, Don’t boo Mum!”
As the game begins, Bingo sits hopefully by the screen, waiting for her mum to appear on TV. Meanwhile, Bluey and Chucky have a conversation about team identity. Despite being blue, Bluey supports the maroon team, which confuses her. Chucky, unsure of where he stands, says he’s “gold” though there isn’t a gold team… yet. The game unfolds with emotional highs and lows. When the maroons score, Pat, Lucky, and Bandit gloat to Janelle. But after an obstruction call nullifies the try, Janelle mocks them, calling the maroons “a bunch of cheats.” The rivalry is both fierce and funny.
Bluey and Chucky later head over to Janelle’s to watch part of the game with her. Despite her resistance to maroon fans in her home, she welcomes them and shares popcorn. Her affection for Chucky shows when she hugs him tight after the Blues score.
At half-time, the families reunite over pizza. Chucky, torn between his parents, must choose a team. After a pause, he decides to support the maroons, causing visible disappointment in Janelle. Still, she accepts it and supports his decision.
When the maroons win, everyone celebrates except Janelle and the now sleeping Bingo. Janelle, alone, quietly turns off the TV and goes to bed heartbroken. Just then, Chilli, Frisky, and Trixie appear on the broadcast waving to the screen. Bingo wakes up, sees her mum, and happily waves back before falling asleep again.
The next day, both families are united at the Heeler house, this time supporting the mysterious Gold team in another match. Everyone is on board… except for Mackenzie, whose family supports the Black team. A Ute (pickup) of Border Collies drives by shouting team chants, much to Mackenzie’s confusion as to why they’ve stopped at his friend’s house. In a full-circle moment, the two families rally together, yelling “We’re gonna flog ya!” When dusk settles, the two families watched the International Rugby Union Match as it was a low scoring game, the Gold team scored a try and everyone was happy, and Chucky happily ran to his parents to give them a big hug at him, closing the episode with unity and warmth.
The lesson of the episode
Divided loyalty & identity: Chucky’s choice between his parents’ teams mirrors real-world issues children face, like navigating divorced or differing parental opinions.
Sportsmanship & passion: Showcases how sport can both divide and bring people together.
Belonging & acceptance: Bluey’s confusion about team colors and identity touches gently on deeper themes of personal identity and external expectations.
Family unity: Despite rivalry, the families find joy in being together highlighting unconditional love and support.
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